CCJ judges to get $63,000 monthly salary

Judges who are appointed to sit on the proposed Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will receive a huge financial package, including a monthly salary of TT $63,000. The CCJ will replace the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council and will be based on Richmond Street in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission, which is headed by Barbados’ Chief Justice, Sir David Simmons, is now searching for six judges to sit on the court. Most Caribbean countries have passed legislation to make the CCJ the final appellate court, but the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament is yet to debate the legislation laid. Several retired TT judges are lining up to apply for a position with the CCJ. While the treaty establishing the court says that the retirement age will be 72, Caricom Attorneys General have recommended to Heads of Government that this be increased to 75 — the same as Law Lords of the Privy Council.

These judges will not pay income tax or any other taxes while they will be entitled to a rent free, fully furnished, super grade residence or a monthly allowance of $15,000. Actual expenses incurred by judges for official entertainment is to be met from an official entertainment vote under the direction of the President of the Court. A judge will be entitled to a daily subsistence allowance of (US)$200 for each day he/she is on official duty in a country other than Trinidad and Tobago. A judge will be provided with an official motor vehicle which will be fully maintained by the court. A chauffeur will be assigned to each judge and his wages will be paid by the court. At the end of every two years’ service a travel grant for a judge and his/her spouse will be paid in the sum of $50,000 each. A judge will also be entitled to not less than 42 days’ vacation per annum. A judge will receive a library monthly allowance of $1,600.

Under medical benefits, spouses and unmarried children under the age of 18, will get free prescribed drugs and medical attention at health institutions approved by the TT Government. In exceptional circumstances, the cost of medical attention in a country other than TT, will be approved by the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission. Judges will also be entitled to an education grant for their children. The Regional Commission is seeking to fill the post of six judges with the closing date for applications being April 8. The applicants must have served for five years or more in both criminal and civil jurisdictions in the Caribbean and the Common-wealth. The applicants must have high moral character, intellectual and analytical ability, sound judgment, integrity and understanding of people and society. In seeking to determine the character of the applicants, the Regional commission has asked the following questions: “Have you ever been convicted of, or cautioned in relation to any criminal offence?

“Have you ever been adjudged bankrupt, made a composition with your creditors, or been sued to judgment for any debt, or are any such proceedings pending? “Have you ever had proceedings brought against you, or paid a penalty enforced against you, or are any of these proceedings pending? “Have you ever had an action brought against you for professional negligence without the matter being dismissed, or are any such proceedings pending? “Are you, or have you ever been subject to disciplinary proceedings of the Bar in respect of complaints regarding a matter involving you personally, or under your supervision without the matter having been dismissed?”